The About Us – The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey the philanthropic arm of Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is launching a special Veterans Health Initiative on Feb. 3. It will provide grants to veterans’ organizations that are addressing the unique challenges veterans face.
“This is a new veterans-focused grants program,” Uli Diaz, senior vice president of government and community affairs for Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield said. “The Horizon Foundation has created this special Veterans Health Initiative in recognition of the extraordinary sacrifices and contributions veterans have made and to help ensure these veterans get the support they need and deserve.”
The Veterans Health Initiative will support activities in these three key areas:
- Behavioral health – treating mental health and trauma issues, suicide prevention, substance abuse, depression and anxiety;
- Housing and food security – helping veterans find safe, stable homes and consistent secure access to essential and healthy food sources;
- Economic opportunity – providing veterans with the skills they need to thrive professionally (job training, skills assessments, etc.).
Grant funding will not support general operations.
The Foundation will award one-year grants up to $20,000 for veterans’ organizations which serve veterans and their families.
The Foundation began accepting proposals for these grants today. The submission deadline is May 7. Applicants will be notified of the grant decisions in July. The grant period will commence on Oct. 1 and continue through Sept. 30, 2026.
Existing grantee organizations of the Horizon Foundation are not eligible to apply for this initiative.
Organizations that apply for this grant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans’ organization that serves veterans and/or their families in New Jersey.
- Experience developing and running effective grant programs with a record of meeting veterans’ needs and delivering positive results.
In select cases, veterans’ organizations may partner with other organizations to design and/or deliver programming; applicants should describe the nature of the relationship and their role in their proposal. For example, working with a health center to collaborate on program services that are provided.
The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to making New Jersey healthier by collaborating with community-based organizations across the state. We work alongside our grantee partners to provide opportunities so everyone in New Jersey can achieve their best health.
The Foundation does not fund endowments, hospitals or hospital foundations, individuals, political causes or candidates or organizations or campaigns, one-day events or fundraising events (e.g. galas, dinners, golf outings, walks, runs, races).
For more information about the Veterans Health click here.
